In just over 12 hours' time, the first World Cup semi-final between Argentina and Croatia will kick off, with two of the game's most dominant players going head-to-head for a spot in the final.
Lionel Messi and Luka Modric will lead their sides in a repeat of the 2018 semi. And for Messi in particular, World Cup glory could seal his spot as the greatest player of all time.
"His last World Cup probably, he's enjoying it and he wants to win it," former Argentina player Pablo Zabaleta said. "He's desperate to win the World Cup."
The 35-year-old's won it all in his career - except for the greatest prize of them all. He came close as a finalist in 2014 but lost to Germany.
So in what's surely his last World Cup, the pressure to finally win football's biggest honour will be playing on his mind.
"The pressure of course is there, but I understand for Messi, that would be something amazing and for all Argentinian people seeing Messi lift the greatest trophies," Zabaleta said.
Diego Maradona did it, famously leading Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986.
For Argentinians, the World Cup remains the holy grail and Maradona their footballing god. The challenge for Messi is to emulate that.
"This is legacy-defining," former Premier League goalkeeper Shaka Hislop said. "Messi, I think needs this World Cup win.
"You mention Diego Maradona, I think again, to be kept on that same level as some of the game's greats."
Standing in their way - a Croatian side determined to go one better after losing in the final four years ago.
They've conceded just one goal in regulation time all tournament, anchored by a formidable midfield and captain Luka Modric.
But even they know, stopping Messi is easier said than done.
"The things that Argentina does well are that Messi is in good shape again," Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic said. "That he can basically decide the game by himself, but also set up an assist."
A game Messi could decide, and put him one step closer to football immortality.
